Apps Help Families With Kids, Study Shows

Apps Help Families With Kids, Study Shows

Apps for kids become increasingly important tools in daily family life.

In an increasingly mobile world, the use of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices continues to grow worldwide across generations, from pre-K children to seniors. With this growing dependence on mobile devices comes a wealth of new apps to aid in nearly every area of daily life.

It is no surprise that apps with a family focus have become increasingly popular for parents with smartphones. As Millennials – those born between 1982 and 2004 – begin to have children of their own, their app choices are shifting to include those that positively benefit their families.

This is a subject Nickelodeon International examined with itsRole of Appsresearch study, released last year. Based on responses from parents with children ages 4 to 12 in the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Brazil and Mexico, the study determined that:

Nearly nine out of 10 children use apps and kids with younger parents are significantly more likely to be app users.

More than eight in 10 Millennial parents use apps with their children as a family activity and many view apps as a platform to help them interact with their kids.

Parents see apps for kids as educational tools and prefer apps that promote learning in a fun and entertaining way.

The top reason parents don’t allow app use among their children is a concern that their kids are too young.

The study showed a high demand for apps that children can use on their own that are safe, easy to use and entertaining. Parents also want apps for kids that can help them engage with each other; they believe the ideal app benefits parents and children alike.

There are countless apps for kids and parents available across a range of devices. Verizon Wireless recently released itsEducation Toolsbundle, which includes the App Recommender – a tool that gives users access to the best educational apps for kids, handpicked by a panel of teachers, parents and app gurus. The Education Tools subscription also comes with discounts on premium services, such asBrainPOPandTutor.com, designed specifically to aid in a child’s education.